Holden/Sayle. Photo: iomtt.com

CONDITIONS were perfect for Wednesday evening’s Isle of Man TT practice session with blue sky and sunshine after a problematic few days due to poor weather.

Solo machines got away at 6:22pm with Michael Rutter and Dan Kneen first to leave the line, both of whom were on their Superbike machines like the majority of the front runners.

Guy Marting completed a lap of 127.277mph, but it was Hutchinson who was quickest at 127.967mph. Gary Johnson was the only other rider over the 127mph mark with Bruce Anstey, James Hilier and John McGuinness all over 126mph.

Both William and Michael Dunlop pitted at the end of their first lap as did Cameron Donald who switched over to his Supersport machine. Most other riders went straight through for a flying lap and it was Anstey who posted the best lap at 128.641. Hutchinson lapped at 128mph.

It was McGuinness who closest to Anstey’s lap though with a speed of 128.596mph. Rutter and Manxman Conor Cummins also impressed with 127+mph laps.

The majority of the riders switched machines for their third laps and Anstey went to the top of the Supersport leaderboard with a lap of 123.388mph ahead of Ivan Lintin (121.39) and Russ Mountford (121.15).

Hutchinson continued on his Superbike and recorded another 127+mph lap but Michael Dunlop’s second lap was only 124.519mph and he then encountered trouble with his Superstock mount, stopping at Greeba Castle.

The Northern Irishman did get back out on his 600cc Yamaha as did many of the other riders and Anstey went quicker at 125.218 with Martin and Gary Johnson slotting into second and third at 123.082 and 121.678 respectively.

Unfortunately an incident towards the end of the session at Sulby Crossroads claimed the life of French newcomer Franck Petricola who was riding for the Ice Valley Racing Team.

The Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said: “Franck showed incredible character to battle back from the serious injuries he suffered at the North West 200 last year when many a lesser man would have given up the challenge but it showed his determination to compete on the mountain course. 

“The road racing community has lost a remarkable man and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

Sidecars had their first practice session of the week starting at 8:11pm with Dave Molyneux/Ben Binns leading the way.

Molyneux finished his first lap at 109.888mph, but it was John Holden/Dan Sayke who crossed the line quickest at 112.781mph. The Brichall brothers were third at 109.221mph whilst Harrison/Aylott had numerous problems and only managed a speed of 99.612mph. Tim Reeves/Patrick Farrance had bigger problems as they failed to complete a lap.

Following an incident during the sidecar session at Ballaspur, driver Brian Kelly was taken by airmed to Nobles hospital but was reported to be conscious and was confirmed to be OK following assessment while newcomers Terry O’Relly/Aidan Browne were also reported OK after hitting bales at Governors Dip.

Thursday evening’s practice session is due to commence at 6:20pm with the Mountain road closing at 5pm, 6pm for the rest of the course.